I have a orvis TLS 5 wt. 9 footer in fast action tip flex and a G-Loomis 5 wt. 9 footer slow action, I prefer the Orvis because it does cast my heavier flys better and i prefer the fast action. I have caught fish up to 24 inches and my Orvis it handles them with little problem. You have to work a little bit but thats fun for me. It all depends on how much $$$$ you want to spend. They are both great rods your choice. Steve

The Z-Axis is a premium fly rod I've never had the opportunity to spend any quality time with. But there's a spot in my quiver for a 4wt Z if anyone has one they're looking to unload.

By buying and selling and trading and saving and keeping my eye out for deals, I've ended up with a pretty nice collection of fly rods. I've got an S3, a BIIx, an XP, among others. But far and away, my 5wt GLX is the finest fly rod I've ever used. You can have it when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.

But, like I said, I got money set aside for the right deal on a 9' (or possibley 8'6") 4wt Z-Axis. Ain't holding my breath, though. Hardly ever see them used. Guess folks who own'em got no intention of giving them up.

The HLS GLX is nice Robert but did you know about the Max Line version? The Max Line Speed GLX models in either a 5 or a 6 weight will hands down throw line better than the HLS model. Although I don't own the Z Axis, I have cast one and would have a hard time parting with either the MLX or HLS models.

no on loomis, they are making bad business decisions they are letting go of all their reps and picking up there shimano reps. Fly shops will start cutting back after the first of the year. If they would just go back to building great rods in black with new comp. they could be back. They are going down.

After treating myself to a day on the Cedar with the esteemed Jason Decker, I was impressed by the wonderful Z-Axis. I'm set on getting either a Z or the Loomis in a 9'
to 9'-6" six weight. Any comparisons, personal insight?

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Found a 9' #6 on CL for 1/2 retail, never fished. Only used in the pool where my landscape limits me to 70' casts. This rod is excellent! I can't say it's better than a Z, but I certainly think it's good enough for me. As I'd still like a 9'-6" or 10', I'll continue to troll the boards for a Z, maybe I'll get lucky but I certainly have no regrets with this puppy. Now I have to decide where to go fish it next weekend, got a couple 4-day weekends coming up due to the State budget issues and the Gov giving us all 3 days unpaid leave a month; more time to fish!
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I had the same battle deciding on which rod (Z vs Loomis). I took my reel and line down to my local shop and loaded up both rods to compare. In my unskilled/hacker hands the Z just felt better. I also have never looked back. Go take the test drive and you won't have any regrets. I know I didn't get a deal, but I was willing to spend more at a shop for two reasons: 1)Support your local fly shop (Cabellas sucks) 2) Get a test drive

Both rods have great customer service- but I like stopping in at Sage on Bainbridge when the inevitable happens.

no on loomis, they are making bad business decisions they are letting go of all their reps and picking up there shimano reps. Fly shops will start cutting back after the first of the year. If they would just go back to building great rods in black with new comp. they could be back. They are going down.

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I heard and now have read Gary Loomis has hooked up with TFO. TFO..the little engine that could...

The HLS GLX is nice Robert but did you know about the Max Line version? The Max Line Speed GLX models in either a 5 or a 6 weight will hands down throw line better than the HLS model. Although I don't own the Z Axis, I have cast one and would have a hard time parting with either the MLX or HLS models.

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I'll disagree with the 'hand's down thrown line better thant the HLS model'. I'm a fast action rod fan, but to me the Max Speed GLX is no only very fast but a little too stiff. It would be very difficult for 90% (or more) of the fly fishers to get it to load it well. The one feature the MLX has over the HLS, in my opinion, is the fighting butt/reel seat. Other than that, the HLS (in my opinion) is a much more user-friendly day in/day out rod to use than the MLX.

Both the Z Axis and the HLS are outstanding performers, and Robert should be ecstatic if those are the two rod options being considered. He can't can't lose with either.